China aims to enhance the synergy between the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and ASEAN's community building, striving to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, according to Nong Rong, assistant minister of foreign affairs of China.

Nong made these remarks on Thursday during the 29th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation held in the city of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province.

The meeting was co-chaired by Nong and Chan Aye, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar. Senior officials and representatives from other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, were also in attendance.

Both sides positively commented on the good momentum of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership. They exchanged views on promoting future cooperation and discussed international and regional issues of common interest.

Nong expressed China's hope to collaborate with ASEAN countries in exploring new opportunities for cooperation in emerging industries, new energy, currency and finance, traditional and non-traditional security, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Representatives from ASEAN countries expressed their willingness to work hand in hand with China to promote the upgrading of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, deepen cooperation in the fields of green development, the digital economy, connectivity, and sustainable agriculture. They also expressed their readiness to jointly contribute to the further development of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership and to foster regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: Attendees of the 29th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation pose for a group photo in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China, May 25, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)